Church closures in Algeria raise concerns about 'intensified' crackdown on Christians

The closure of churches in Algeria in recent months has prompted fears that the government may be coordinating an intensified campaign against Christians.

According to Middle East Concern (MEC), a church in Ouragla in the south of Algeria received an order from the governor to cease all religious activities, following a building inspection on Dec. 14.

The church leaders were told that they lack the proper authorization to use the building as a place of worship and were accused of failing to comply with safety requirements. They were advised to seek permission from the ministry of religious affairs and were told that the worship services can only resume at the church three months after obtaining such permission.

On Dec. 19, Algerian police arrested three Christians in a cafe in Chlef for possession of Christian literature. A local newspaper described the arrest as a "foiled evangelism attempt," and accused the Christians of enticing young Muslims to convert by offering financial and travel incentives. While the three believers have been released, they may face charges of proselytism.

That same week, intelligence, police, religious affairs, and fire brigade authorities reportedly visited two Protestant churches in the province of Bejaia, in the north-eastern region of Kabylie. The officials said that the visits were part of the government's efforts to check compliance with safety regulations. MEC noted that two church buildings host eight congregations in the province, adding that the result of the inspection is still pending.

In November, authorities closed down a church in the north-western town of Aïn Turk, saying it has been used to "illegally print Gospels and publications intended for evangelism."

Additionally, the authorities ordered a church training center in Boudjemaa, in the Kabylie region, to cease all activities and launched an investigation against its leaders.

According to MEC, the affected churches are all affiliated with the legally recognized Protestant Church of Algeria (l'Église Protestante d'Algérie or EPA). EPA leaders have raised questions about the motivation for the inspection visits and contended that the accusations leading to the church closures have been unfounded.

The Algerian Constitution allows for freedom of worship, but religious groups are required to register and religious services can only be held in buildings set aside exclusively for the said activity.

World Watch Monitor reported that a number of churches in Algeria have been ordered by the authorities to stop all religious activities, citing a 2006 law that regulates non-Muslim worship.